in a few days drew out his forces, and appeared in battle array against
him. At the time the approach of the enemy was announced, the Americans
were deeply engaged in cooking food, of which, for twenty-four hours,
they had been destitute. For a moment, there was confusion; but,
abandoning their meal, as did Greene his coffee, they soon stood in
order of battle. The action opened with promise to the Americans. Greene
himself, at the head of a single regiment, fought as a common soldier.
His troops appeared firm, and even enthusiastic. Judge his surprise,
when, at this critical moment, he perceived the regiment of Gunby, the
one upon which, more perhaps than all others, he depended--the one which
at Guilford had displayed such bravery--that regiment was giving
way--was in the very act of retreating. Greene sped his charger among
them--headed them--rallied them; but it was too late: the battle was
lost. There was, indeed, more fighting, and every effort was made to
recover from the shock caused by the retreat of Gunby's veteran
regiment. But it was fruitless, and Greene retreated, in rather a
creditable manner, considering the circumstances.
But the regiment, it is recorded--the cause of such deep mortification
and utter failure--was after all not to blame. At least, the apology
was made for them, that they mistook the order of Gunby, their leader,
who had directed them only to halt, for an order to retreat. In the
din of arms, his command was not understood, and the consequence was
the disastrous result we have named.
The situation of Rawdon, notwithstanding his success, was critical;
Greene's was still more critical. For the first time, it is said, the
latter became vacillating and despondent. On the one hand, he was in
danger from Rawdon; and on the other, it was reported that Cornwallis
was marching rapidly against him. His army was
small--destitute--discouraged. But it was not Greene's nature long to
despond. He rose above the difficulties and perils of his position, and
decided to occupy the place which God and his country had assigned him.
At this juncture, more certain intelligence was received that
Cornwallis was on his march to Virginia. This left him at liberty to
follow out his original plan.
Meanwhile, Rawdon broke up his encampment at Camden, and moved towards
Fort Motte, against which Marion and Lee were pursuing a siege. Before
Rawdon could reach it, it had surrendered to the Americans.
There remained now in the hands of the British but one fortress more
of importance. This was Ninety-Six, situated one hundred and
forty-seven miles north-west from Charleston, and garrisoned by five
hundred and sixty men. To the reduction of this, Greene turned his
attention. On the 22d of May, he appeared before it, and commenced a
siege. While successfully pursuing his design, and daily advancing
towards the consummation of his wishes, news arrived of the rapid
approach of Rawdon. Indeed, he appeared even earlier than had been
anticipated, and Greene had no alternative but to retreat. But,
listening to his army, who were intent on a demonstration against the
enemy, he consented thereto: but, although they made the assault with
admirable firmness, and even enthusiastic zeal, they failed, and
orders to retreat were given.
Rawdon followed Greene some fifteen or twenty miles on his retreat;
when, returning to Ninety-Six, he ordered its evacuation, and himself
took up his march for Charleston.
As the sickly season had now commenced, Greene withdrew his army to a
cool and salubrious position on the high hills of Santee. Here, having
remained until the 22d of August--his troops resting and recruiting,
as much they needed both--he broke up his encampment, and began his
march; and on the 7th of September, arrived within seven miles of
Eutaw Springs, where the British lay encamped in an open field, under
command of General Stewart.
On the following day, putting his army in motion, he proceeded towards
the field, where occurred--
6. THE BATTLE OF EUTAW SPRINGS.
Greene took the British commander somewhat by surprise, but he was not
slow to put his army in the order of battle. The Americans were the
first to commence the contest, and that commencement was auspicious.
The militia did themselves greater credit than on some former
occasions. Both armies were soon engaged; both contended with a
seriousness, a determination, a perseverance, commensurate with the
prize at stake. It is not necessary to descend to particulars. Each
cause was apparently more than once in the ascendant, but in the
sequel neither could claim a decided victory. Yet, the advantage
rested with Greene. The English had lost one-quarter of their number
in killed, and another quarter were made prisoners. Moreover, he had
driven them from the field; but he could not pursue them, on account
of his prisoners and wounded, and the exhausted state of his army.
At the close of the contest, the belligerent armies united in burying
their dead. What a contrast to the spectacle which had been exhibited
a few hours before!
The battle of Eutaw Springs was the last general engagement in the
South. Soon after, the British concentrated themselves at Charleston;
and here they were for months hemmed in, and watched by the faithful
and persevering Greene. But their situation, at length, became so
distressing, that they determined to evacuate the city. This was
carried into effect on the 13th of December, 1781. At three o'clock of
the same day, Greene entered in triumph, to the exultation of its
emancipated citizens, and with all the honors which a grateful people
could shed upon him. "_God bless you! God bless you!_" was uttered by
hundreds, as he passed along; nor was it a thoughtless, unmeaning
prayer, but the warm and ardent desire of warm and ardent hearts.
Greene merited it all: he loved his country with an affection which no
circumstances could weaken, and served her with a fidelity which no
temptation could interrupt. Truthfully, most truthfully, did
Washington say of him: "Could he but promote the interests of his
country in the character of a corporal, he would exchange, without a
murmur, his epaulettes for the knot."
7. BATTLE OF YORKTOWN.
The campaign for the year 1781, as arranged between Washington and the
Count de Rochambeau at Wethersfield, Connecticut, had for its object
the recovery of New York, still in possession of the British. A French
fleet, to arrive in August, was expected to cöoperate. In pursuance of
this plan, the allied forces were concentrated at Kingsbridge, fifteen
miles above New York.
While these movements were in progress, it was unexpectedly announced
that the destination of the French fleet was the Chesapeake, instead
of New York; and here the Count de Grasse, at length, arrived with
twenty-eight ships of the line, several frigates, and three thousand
troops.
This intelligence manifested the necessity of a change of purpose.
Without the cöoperation of a fleet, it would be impossible to succeed
in the reduction of New York. Besides, there now opened an equally, if
not a more important enterprise, in a different quarter.
Lord Cornwallis, who had for some time conducted the military
operations of the British at the South, as we have had occasion to
notice, had concentrated his forces at Yorktown, in Virginia, which,
together with Gloucester Point, he had strongly fortified. His army
consisted of ten thousand effective men.
Washington was not long in deciding the course which the interests of
his country required him to pursue. He was now ready to follow the
indications of Providence: and it was now apparent that a victory over
Cornwallis must necessarily forward the triumph of the patriot cause.
It was happily ordered that the French fleet should have the
Chesapeake for its destination. In that vicinity, the final conflict
was to be waged; there, the pride of Britain was to be humbled;
there, the last act in the drama was to transpire.
Pursuant to his altered purposes, Washington put his army in motion,
and on the 25th of August, the passage of the Hudson was effected.
It being a point of great moment to conceal the real object of this
movement, the march of the army was continued until the 31st, in such
a direction as to keep up fears for New York; and a considerable
degree of address was used to countenance the opinion that the real
design was against that place. The letters which had been intercepted
by Sir Henry Clinton favored this deception; and so strong was the
impression made, that after it became necessary for the combined army
to leave the route leading down the Hudson, he is stated to have
retained his fears for New York, and not to have suspected the real
object of his adversary, until he had approached the Delaware, and it
had become too late to obstruct the progress of the allied army
towards Virginia. He then resolved to make every exertion in his power
to relieve Lord Cornwallis, and, in the mean time, to act offensively
in the North. An expedition was planned against New London, in
Connecticut; and a strong detachment, under the command of General
Arnold, was embarked on board a fleet of transports, which landed
early in the morning of the 6th of September on both sides of the
harbor, about three miles from the town. The result of this
expedition--so infamous to Arnold--so inhuman--so contrary to all the
laws governing modern warfare--is too well known to need recital here.
The progress of Washington could not consistently be arrested by such an
incursion, ready, as in other circumstances he would have been, to have
hastened to the defence of his fellow-citizens, against so vindictive a
monster as that traitor had shown himself to be. Momentous results were
now depending upon accelerated movements; and, accordingly, he urged his
troops forward to the extent of their power.
Having made the necessary arrangements for the conveyance of his army
down the Chesapeake, Washington, accompanied by several distinguished
officers, French and American, hastened forward to Williamsburg,
where, in an interview with the Count de Grasse, a system of
operations for the contemplated siege was devised.
On the 25th of September, the last division of the allied troops
arrived in James' river, and were disembarked at the landing near
Williamsburg. On the 30th, the combined armies, twelve thousand in
number, moved upon Yorktown and Gloucester, at which time the fleet of
Count de Grasse proceeded up York river, with the double object of
preventing the retreat of Cornwallis, and intercepting his supplies.
The village of Yorktown lies on the south side of York river. Its
southern banks are high. In its waters a ship-of-the-line could ride
with safety. Gloucester Point projects far into the river on the
opposite shore. Both these posts were occupied by Cornwallis--the main
body of the army being at York, under the immediate command of his
lordship; Lieutenant-colonel Tarleton was stationed at Gloucester with
a detachment of about six hundred men. Every possible effort had been
made to fortify these posts. The interests involved were of
incalculable magnitude. A failure now, Cornwallis could not but
perceive, would put to hazard the royal cause. Every expedient,
therefore, was adopted, which was calculated to secure his success,
and give victory to the British arms.
Washington was equally impressed with the greatness of the enterprise
in which he had embarked. The eyes of his countrymen were turned with
intense interest to the issues of the impending contest. Nor can it be
doubted that supplications went up from thousands of family altars,
and from private closets, that the God of the Pilgrim Fathers would
interpose for the salvation of a people, who, from their first landing
on these shores, had regarded his honor as their highest object, and
the enjoyment of rational liberty as their greatest privilege.
The preparations having now been completed, Yorktown was invested,
upon which Cornwallis, abandoning all his advanced works, retired
behind his principal fortifications. The former were immediately
occupied by the besiegers.
It is not important to detail the events of each succeeding day, as
this siege progressed. Washington, calm and collected, continued to
extend his batteries towards the principal works of the enemy. The
cannonade from the British line of defences was furious and incessant.
On the 16th, a fierce sortie was made by the British, an American
battery was stormed--the artillerists were overpowered, and seven
cannon spiked; but the Americans rallied, and succeeded in recovering
all that was lost.
Finding his situation extremely critical, Cornwallis now decided on
abandoning his sick, together with his baggage, and, crossing to
Gloucester, to attempt an escape to New York. In pursuance of this
plan, boats, prepared under various pretexts, were held in readiness
to receive the troops at ten in the evening, and convey them over the
river. The arrangements were made with such secresy, that the first
embarkation arrived at the Point unperceived, and part of the troops
were landed, when a sudden and violent storm interrupted the execution
of this hazardous plan, and drove the boats down the river. The storm
continued till near daylight, when the boats returned. But the plan
was necessarily abandoned, and the boats were sent to bring back the
soldiers, who were rëlanded on the southern shore in the course of the
forenoon without much loss.
On the morning of the 17th, several new batteries which had been
completed were opened, and a more appalling, and, if possible,
destructive fire, was commenced upon the British works. It could no
longer be withstood. Cornwallis became convinced of the folly of
protracting a contest which was only weakening his forces, and
sacrificing the lives of his troops. It was a most unwelcome and
humiliating necessity, but that necessity existed, and at ten o'clock he
ordered the British lines to beat a parley. This was immediately
followed by a proposed cessation of hostilities for twenty-four hours,
with reference to a settlement of terms of capitulation. Washington, in
his reply, expressed his desire to stay the effusion of blood, but not
one moment could he lose in fruitless negotiations. His lordship might
transmit his proposals, and two hours would be given to consider them.
These were transmitted, but they proved unsatisfactory. Washington now
himself dictated the terms; and they were the same as given to Lincoln
at the fall of Charleston. At the appointed time, the conquered army,
with colors cased, and drums silent, marched out, and laid down their
arms. Lincoln was appointed to receive the sword of Cornwallis--an honor
which he deserved--and a service doubtless the more grateful from the
circumstance that, eighteen months before, he had been compelled to
surrender his sword to an English commander. It was an imposing
spectacle. To the British, the more humiliating, as it cast a shade over
all their prospects of success in the land of rebellion--to the
Americans, the more grateful, as it was a presage of an end to their
toils and hardships. The conduct of Cornwallis, on the occasion of
surrender, was unbecoming the firm and high-minded officer. He was not
present, but appointed another to tender his sword in his place. There
are men who can participate in the honors of victory, and claim their
full portion--but who are too proud to share with their fellow-officers
and soldiers the mortification of defeat. Cornwallis was one.
To Washington and his army the issue of this contest was most joyful;
and in token of that joy, orders were issued that all under arrest,
should forthwith be set at liberty. But this was not enough. A public
recognition of the Divine goodness seemed befitting; accordingly, in
his public orders, in terms most solemn and impressive, he directed
that divine service should be performed in the different brigades and
divisions. All the troops not on duty were recommended to be present,
and to assist in the solemn and grateful homage paid to the Benefactor
of the nation.
[Illustration: BATTLE OF YORKTOWN]
8. TREATY OF PEACE.
The first intelligence received in America from England, after the
news of the battle of Yorktown had reached that country, was different
in its tenor from what had been expected. The Americans regarded it as
the finishing stroke of the war, and anticipated a similar estimation
of the battle in England. But on the assembling of parliament in
November, 1781, the speech from the throne breathed a settled purpose
to continue the war; and the addresses from both houses, which were
carried by large majorities, echoed the sentiment.
But when the first excitement had passed, and men began to contemplate
the posture of things with calm and enlightened reason, they saw the
folly of persisting in the contest. To conquer America by force, was
impracticable, and the further waste of treasure and blood, was both
impolitic and inhuman.
Pursuant to these corrected views, on the 22d of February, 1782, General
Conway moved an address to the king, praying that the war on the
continent of North America might no longer be pursued, for the
impracticable purpose of reducing that country to obedience by force;
and expressing their hope, that the earnest desire and diligent exertion
to restore the public tranquillity, of which they had received his
majesty's most gracious assurances, might, by a happy reconciliation
with the revolted colonies, be forwarded and made effectual; to which
great end his majesty's faithful Commons would be ready to give their
utmost assistance. This motion being lost by a single vote only, was,
five days after, renewed by the same gentleman, in a form somewhat
different, and was carried; and an address, in pursuance of it,
presented to the king. Not yet satisfied with the triumph obtained over
the ministry, and considering the answer of the king not sufficiently
explicit, the House of Commons, on the 4th of March, on the motion of
General Conway, declared, that all those who should advise, or by any
means attempt, the further prosecution of offensive war in America,
should be considered as enemies to their king and country. In this state
of things, it was impossible for the ministry longer to continue in
power, and on the 19th, they relinquished their places. A new
administration was soon after formed--the Marquis of Rockingham was
placed at the head of the treasury, and the Earl of Shelburne and Mr.
Fox held the important places of secretaries.
Measures were immediately adopted by the new ministry with a view to
peace. As the basis of peace, it was the wish of the Marquis of
Rockingham to offer America unlimited, unconditional independence. To
this, the Earl of Shelburne was opposed; and, moreover, it was one of
the last measures to which the king himself would give his assent. In
July, the Marquis of Rockingham died, and Lord Shelburne was appointed
first lord of the treasury. This produced an open rupture in the
cabinet, and the resignation of Lord John Cavendish, Mr. Fox, and
others; in consequence of which, William Pitt was made chancellor of
the exchequer, and Thomas Townshend and Lord Grantham, secretaries of
state. On the 11th of July, parliament adjourned. Among their last
acts, was one authorizing the king to conclude a peace or truce with
the Americans.
On the 30th of November, 1782, a provisional treaty was agreed on at
Paris, by John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, and Henry Laurens,
on the part of America, and by Mr. Fitzherbert and Mr. Oswald, on the
part of Great Britain.
It may be added, in this connection, that the definitive treaty of peace
was signed at Paris, on the 3d of September, by David Hartley, Esq., on
the part of his Britannic majesty, and by John Jay, Benjamin Franklin,
and John Adams, on the part of the United States. The provisions of the
treaty attest the zeal and ability of the American negotiation, as well
as the liberal feelings which actuated the British minority. The
independence of the United States was fully acknowledged. The right of
fishing on the banks of Newfoundland, and certain facilities in the
enjoyment of that right, were secured to them for ever.
9. CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES.
On the 18th of April, 1783, Gen. Washington announced the cessation of
hostilities between the two countries, in the following general order:
"The commander-in-chief orders the cessation of hostilities between the
United States of America and the King of Great Britain, to be publicly
proclaimed to-morrow, at twelve o'clock, at the New Building; and the
proclamation, which will be communicated herewith, be read to-morrow
evening, at the head of every regiment and corps of the army; after
which, the chaplains, with the several brigades, will render thanks to
Almighty God for all his mercies, particularly for his overruling the
wrath of man to his own glory, and causing the rage of war to cease
among the nations."--It is worthy of notice that this order was read to
the army just eight years after the battle of Lexington.
10. THE ARMY DISBANDED.
On the 2d of November, Washington issued his farewell orders to the
army. In conclusion, he said:
"Being now to conclude these his last public orders, to take his
ultimate leave, in a short time, of the military character, and to bid
adieu to the armies he has so long had the honor to command, he can
only again offer in their behalf his recommendations to their grateful
country, and his prayers to the God of armies. May ample justice be
done them here, and may the choicest of Heaven's favors, both here and
hereafter, attend those who, under the Divine auspices, have secured
innumerable blessings for others! With these wishes, and this
benediction, the commander-in-chief is about to retire from service.
The curtain of separation will soon be drawn, and the military scene
to him will be for ever closed."
What more tender!--what more touching! While to Washington himself, and
to his army, it must have been most grateful that years of toil,
privation, and suffering were ended, and the glorious object for which
that toil, privation, and suffering had been endured, was achieved, the
hour of separation must have been most painful. They were to part to
meet no more. Well did his soldiers know that their brave and beloved
chief would bear them in his heart. But there were circumstances which,
at this final interview, bore heavily upon them. They were poor; and, in
rags and destitution, they were returning to their homes. Washington's
sympathies were enlisted for them; and while he could not justify the
course they had pursued--for they had passed resolutions in their
encampment reflecting on the justice of their country, and especially
upon congress, and had used terms of harshness and threatening--yet
Washington expressed his pity, and his ardent hope that ample justice
would be done them by a grateful country for the services they had
rendered, and for the toils and trials they had sustained.
[Illustration: Washington taking leave of the Army--The Troops
defiling before him.]
The parting moment now arrived. Column after column marched by him,
receiving as they passed his tender and affectionate salutation--the
several bands of music playing the mournful, yet, on this parting
occasion, appropriate dirge of "Roslin Castle."
11. DEPARTURE OF THE BRITISH ARMY.
The 25th of November had been fixed for the final retirement from the
American shores of the British officers and troops. The place of
departure was New York; and on that day they went on board the British
fleet--the American troops, under General Knox, at the same time
entering and taking possession of the city.
Guards being posted for the security of the citizens, General
Washington, accompanied by Governor Clinton, and attended by many
civil and military officers, and a large number of respectable
inhabitants on horseback, made his public entry into the city. What a
triumph! What a glorious issue of the toils, anxieties, and hardships,
growing out of an eight years' contest! It was an occasion of joy,
such as the sun had not beamed upon since the day he was lighted up in
the firmament. Public dinners followed, and magnificent fireworks
attested the general joy.
12. FINAL INTERVIEW OF WASHINGTON AND HIS OFFICERS.